Video: IT'S ONLY LIFE

Tim Lampe is a writer for I’m A Bear! Etc.who loves long walks on beaches accompanied by a good taco.

The Shins have created a remarkable album this year, and as the year progresses, it’s seemingly fading into the background of crtiics and fans everywhere. I’d like to reassess that and say that Port of Morrow has really kept growing on me emotionally. The first video for “Simple Song” was an emotional tour de force and this one follows up with some more childhood themes. “It’s Only Life” sees James Mercer himself being dragged away by strange creatures and a narrative involving a kid walking around with a cape and baseball helmet with antlers on it. Is the video heavy on emotion? Yes. In a music industry where the songs that rise to the top are normally LMFAO party dance songs and electro-pop ballads, it’s a nice change. Check out the video, and make sure to listen to Port of Morrow if you haven’t yet.